Sarah Lynn Cribb

Wednesday

Jan 9, 2013 at 2:00 AM

Sarah Lynn Cribb was born December 31, 1955 in Toronto, Canada to Barbara and Jarvis Cribb. She passed away peacefully in her sleep January 2, 2013, just a few months after being diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Her family moved to the Boston area in 1970. Sarah attended Beverly High School and then went on to graduate from Colby Sawyer College in New Hampshire. She worked as an administrative assistant at Harvard University, but her creative and outdoor spirit led her to Colorado. It was here that she first realized her artistic talents. Painting oils in a rustic log cabin would be the springboard to further training and a lifetime of artistic expression in both fine and graphic arts.

After graduating from Montserrat School of Visual Arts in Beverly, Mass., Sarah eventually moved out west to Santa Barbara, Calif. in 1980. She worked as a graphic artist for the Santa Barbara News and Review.

Sarah moved to Ashland, Ore. in 1983 and continued her work in graphic arts for the Ashland Daily Tidings. At the same time, Sarah began her own graphic design business. Her creative talents covered a wide range of skills and services to meet the needs of a diverse clientele. Her artwork can be seen on many business signs in Ashland, including Thai Pepper, Macaroni's, and the Chamber of Commerce. Her work also included logos, signs, book illustrations, display ads, posters, house renderings, wine labels, and software packaging. She worked in the advertising department of Harry and David as well as serving as the resident graphic designer for the Camelot Theater since 2007. Sarah was also a talented muralist; some of her work can be seen at North Mountain Park and the utility box at the corner of Helman and Hersey Streets.

Sarah was very active in the Ashland community. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, she designed the logo and was honored as Greeter of the Year in 2010. Sarah was also a member of the Rotary Club. She offered her help to other businesses throughout the Rogue Valley as a way of giving back to the community she loved so much. Her compassionate nature motivated her to reach out to those in need, particular the elderly, providing caregiving service with love and grace.

Sarah was never happier than when she was in nature. Her love of the outdoors was a source of creative inspiration, spiritual comfort, and adventure. Hiking and skiing with her friends were among her greatest joys. Her graceful telemark turns down the slopes of Mt. Ashland were a frequent and unforgettable sight. From the 14,000-foot peaks in the Rockies to the forests and mountains of the Pacific Northwest, from the rocky coast of New England to the sandy beaches of Mexico, Sarah's amazing energy and passion led her to explore some of the most beautiful places on earth. Many of her friends credit Sarah with broadening their own experience and confidence in the outdoors.

Sarah is survived by her parents, Barbara and Jarvis; her sister and brother-in-law, Janet and Tim Nee; her brother and sister-in-law, Derek Cribb and Liza Webster; her nieces, Jennifer and Michelle Nee, and nephew, Charlie Cribb.

Sarah often referred to her friends here in Ashland, as her second family. Sarah's charismatic and outgoing nature earned her many loyal friends whom she dearly cherished.

Sarah's family sends their deepest gratitude to those who supported her during her difficult final months, especially Derek Cribb, Tim Criswell, and Peter Toogood.

A small, private memorial gathering took place on Sunday, January 7, at Sarah's home.